Paul Rudd has insisted that his Our Idiot Brother character is actually an idealist.

In an interview with USA Today, the actor revealed that he approached the role of Ned from the viewpoint of an optimist rather than someone who is legitimately unintelligent.

Rudd explained: "I never thought of him as an idiot. I never thought of him as a stoner. Those are characteristics, and not a character. This way of living was a conscious decision. He's an idealist and knows it and is taking the higher road.

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"He's trying to remain unflappable in his ethic, his life philosophy. I don't picture him as a burnout. His way of life is less naÃ¯ve and more consciously just hoping for the best."

Co-star Elizabeth Banks, who plays Rudd's sister in the film, agreed with his assessment on the character's "upbeat" personality and praised the actor's ability to keep Ned grounded and realistic.

"He's pretty upbeat. His brain chemistry is something to be desired by most," she explained. "He has a great attitude about life and going to work every day."

Banks continued: "At the same time, of course, what makes Paul a great comedian is that there's some darkness there. He's been doing this a long time. He knows it can all go away tomorrow. He's very grateful."